“St Kevin’s Boys understand that and they have tried to partner up with numerous clubs. It didn’t work out for them.

“But now they have signed a formal agreement with Bohemians to enter a process towards creating a partnership and that will allow St Kevin’s to join the existing pathway in the national leagues.

“I understand that it is a complex situation as two different cultures have to come together and that takes time.

“I’ve met both parties, St Kevin’s and Bohemians, and I can say that they have a genuine commitment to enter this process of creating a partnership.”

Dokter was unwilling to comment on the prospect of the issue ending up in the courts with other schoolboy clubs from the capital examining their options last night.

Belevdere, Cherry Orchard, Crumlin United, Home Farm, Malahide United and St Joseph’s Boys all teamed up with League of Ireland clubs, having been told they had no other choice.

Kevin’s admission has gone down badly with them. Despite the commitment to team up with Bohs, they believe that, now that they are in, there is little prospect of them being removed, even if they fail to strike a deal.

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Dokter added: “I’m very happy that the partnership concept is now embraced by clubs and I really want to congratulate those clubs who have succeeded in creating partnerships.

“I understand their reaction but it is not about one club. We should keep the focus on the bigger picture — the development of elite underage football in Ireland.

“Every club understands the growth of the underage structures will lead to stronger clubs and provide our best home players with a platform to take on the best of their peers.

“We’ve the 19s, the 17s, the 15s — the 13s is the next step. Seven or eight years ago, there was no pathway for elite players.

“There was no structure for national competition, players had to go to Dublin to be challenged. Look where we are now.”

But, while Dokter extolled partnerships, the North Dublin Schoolboys League outlined its unhappiness about the FAI failing to mention its existing link with Bohs.

NDSL honorary secretary Tony Gains wrote on their Facebook page: “I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Chairman of Bohemians FC [sic] in order to clarify what deal has been done with St Kevins FC [sic] as the NDSL are already in partnership with Bohemians FC [sic] I would believe that any deal done with St Kevins FC [sic] would have to be agreed with the North Dublin Schoolboys/Girls League.”

The FAI later amended its statement and sent out a tweet about the alliance.

Bohs then released a statement reiterating their commitment to the NDSL.

As well as the 20 LOI clubs and St Kevin’s, Kerry Schoolboys League, Mayo League and Monaghan-Cavan Partnership have been admitted with four groups of six teams to be formed.